Missio-Aachen dedicates 2014 to Pakistan

Every year 'Missio' focuses on a reality with the dual aim of sensitizing the conscience of citizens in Europe and to launch special missionary cooperation.

Pakistan

June 23 2014, 3:14 PM

Missio Aachen, which is part of the network of the Pontifical Mission Societies, has dedicated the year 2014 to Pakistan.

“Every year 'Missio' focuses on a reality with the dual aim of sensitizing the conscience of citizens in Europe and to launch special missionary cooperation. Even for the October missionary month and for the World Mission Day, initiatives and testimonies dedicated to Pakistan have been planned," said Father Dr Klaus Kraemer, President of Missio Aachen, Germany.

On the occasion of World Mission Day, "We have organized more than 300 events in all the dioceses in Germany, with the witnesses of Pakistani Christians who will also visit the German Parliament. Our special support for the Church in Pakistan will continue in the coming years," said Dr Kraemer.

In an interview with Fides, Dr Kraemer talked about his recent trip to Pakistan, "A delegation of Missio stopped over in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. We met bishops, seminarians and the faithful. The situation of Christians remains complicated, in an Islamic context. The Church continues with conviction through interreligious dialogue."

During the trip carried out by Missio, a delegation of the German government too was present in Pakistan. “In joint meetings with civil authorities in Pakistan, the issue of respect for human rights in the country was raised,” the prelate confirmed.

"Among the challenges the nation faces, there is that of terrorism. One notes the presence of police everywhere and people are afraid of sudden terrorist attacks by the Taliban. The law of blasphemy and its consequences is also a very delicate situation. In recent years intolerance has worsened,"he said.

"Missio on the one hand helps the Church of Pakistan in the formation of priests, religious, laity, catechists," Dr Kraemer explained. "On the other hand, it is important to make efforts to raise awareness to prayer and cooperation among citizens of Western countries," he added.